Technical Leadership

As a learned society, IMarEST supports and inspires the development of best practice in marine engineering, science and technology, addressing the needs of society at sea and making a positive difference in line with our Corporate Vision.

Monday, 29 January 2018

2020 fuel sulphur limit: The full impact considered
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An IMarEST information paper on the introduction of the fuel oil 0.50% m/m sulphur limit under regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI

The IMarEST, through its Emissions from Shipping SIG, has put together an information paper that provides an overview of the upcoming change in the fuel oil sulphur limit to 0.50% m/m and addresses some commonly asked questions including:

The regulatory situation

Is it a 0.50% max sulphur cap?

Could there yet be a revision to regulation 14.1.3 in respect of either its scope of application or start date?

What are the routes to compliance?

0.50% max sulphur fuel oils

Fuel oil suppliers

Ship issues

Overall this change-over to 0.50% max sulphur fuel oils will be extremely challenging for all parties and problems are anticipated. However, these problems would be the same had the date for regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI to become effective been 2025 instead of 2020. To minimise the impact of the change-over, marine engineers should give full consideration to the ramifications on ship operation and, as much as possible, prepare a plan of action ahead of the implementation date.

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